Dive operators say plans scuttled

BRISBANE: Dive operators say the scuttling of a former navy ship off Queensland was a ‘‘stuffup’’ after it came to rest on its side.

The state government paid a contractor to sink the former HMAS Tobruk, promising it would provide a worldclass dive site for tourists.

But the ship listed as valves flooded the vessel and the ship rolled as it was going down in the Great Sandy Marine Park, between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, late last month. It ended up on its side and Lady Musgrave Experience owner Brett Lakey said the landing was not what was promised to operators who had dive permits for the site.

‘‘The perception has been that it’s been a bit of a stuffup. It certainly limits and restricts any penetrations. If we don’t think it could work, we could hand back permits.’’

The contractor who sank Tobruk is inspecting the wreck and will submit a report to the Government.